Former kickboxer, Birmingham City fan and activist Barrington Patterson - One Eyed Baz dies

The former football hooligan turned community campaigner, known as One Eyed Baz, has died after suffering a heart attack

Published 22nd Mar 2022, 10:33 BST

Updated 22nd Mar 2022, 10:42 BST

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Tributes have been paid to former kickboxer and Birmingham City fan Barrington Patterson - known as One Eyed Baz - who has died aged 56.

Barrington’s wife Tracey released the news on Twitter this morning (22 March), revealing her husband died after suffering a massive heart attack.

She wrote: “At 6am my beloved husband had a massive heart attack. West Midlands Ambulance Service worked for over an hour to save him unfortunately it wasn’t to be our hearts are broken.”

The former professional kickboxer grew up in Handsworth and was a former member of Birmingham City’s Zulu hooligan firm.

As a child Barrington was blinded in one eye through an accident, when his sister threw a can at him, which later earned him the name One Eyed Baz.

In his later life, Barrington campaigned against knife crime and homelessness in the city.

Tracey Patterson with husband Barrington

Tracey Patterson with husband Barrington

Tributes pour in for Baz

Following Tracey’s announcement, tributes have poured in for Barrington on Twitter.

Replying to Tracey’s tweet, England midfielder and former Blues player Jude Bellingham, wrote: “Sorry for your loss Tracey, RIP Baz.”

A tweet on the official Birmingham City account, read: “The Club are saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong Bluenose, Barrington Patterson.

“All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. May you rest in peace, Baz.”

Cass Pennant, a former member of West Ham’s infamous ICF hooligan firm, wrote: “With great sorrow I come here to confirm I have lost my good friend and big-hearted Zulu warrior Barrington Patterson aka One-Eyed Baz this morning, a life to celebrate but right now my heart weeps for his loved ones.”

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